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To Crave vs Craving Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To crave (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to crave" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to crave a delicious meal.

Craving (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "craving" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Craving something sweet? Try our chocolate cake.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To crave (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To crave is a natural human instinct.

    To crave is a natural human instinct.

    • "*To crave*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural human instinct).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to crave her homemade cookies.

    She wants me to crave her homemade cookies.

    • "Me *to crave* her homemade cookies" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to crave* her homemade cookies).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a flavorful dish to crave.

    I need a flavorful dish to crave.

    • "*To crave*" modifies the noun "dish."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a flavorful dish *to crave*).

Craving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Craving sweets is common during pregnancy.

    Craving sweets is common during pregnancy.

    • "*Craving*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (common during pregnancy).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy craving new flavors.

    I enjoy craving new flavors.

    • "*Craving* new flavors" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*craving* new flavors).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a weakness for craving chocolate.

    She has a weakness for craving chocolate.

    • "For *craving* chocolate" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a weakness for *craving* chocolate).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

Example

She plans to crave a decadent dessert tonight.

They hope to crave exotic cuisine on their vacation.

He wants to crave a satisfying meal.

We decided to crave a comforting home-cooked dinner.

They agreed to crave a unique dining experience.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys craving spicy food.

They recommend satisfying your craving with healthy snacks.

I dislike the feeling of craving unhealthy foods.

He avoids craving sugary drinks.

Can you imagine craving ice cream in winter?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to crave international cuisine. She likes craving international cuisine.

We started to crave spicy food. We started craving spicy food.

He began to crave sweets after dinner. He began craving sweets after dinner.

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